Traditional chiefs and cultural leaders gathered at the airport in Abidjan to welcome the return of the historic Djidji Ayokwè, the first cultural artifact returned to the country by France after more than a century.

The drum, more than three meters long and weighing nearly 400 kilograms, was traditionally used by the Atchan people of southern Ivory Coast to send messages between communities. It also served as a warning system during the colonial period, alerting villagers to forced labor operations and mobilizing local resistance.

According to the Ivorian culture ministry, the drum was confiscated by colonial authorities in 1916, kept in Abidjan for several years, and later transferred to France in 1930. Before its return, it had been displayed at the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac in Paris.

Culture Minister Françoise Remarck described the repatriation as a historic moment for the country. The ministry has requested the restitution of 148 cultural objects from France as part of broader efforts to recover heritage taken during the colonial era.

The return of the drum reflects growing international pressure on former colonial powers to repatriate artifacts taken from Africa and other regions. Community leaders say the arrival of the Djidji Ayokwè symbolizes the restoration of cultural identity and historical memory for the Atchan people.